Science education in virtual museums: effects on attitudes and motivation towards science courses

Abstract

Virtual museums are a type of out-of-school learning environments standing out with their ease of access as well as their benefits for learning. Although they are relatively limited initiatives, these environments, which appeal to multiple learning areas thanks to the richness of the content offered, can also be utilised in science education. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the science education process supported by virtual museums on students’ attitudes towards science courses and their motivation for learning science. In total 61 5th grade students participated in the study. While virtual museum activities developed by the researchers were implemented in the experimental group, the flow in the textbook was followed in the control group. The quantitative data of the study were collected with attitude and motivation scales, and the qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. At the end of the practices, a significant increase was observed in the students’ attitudes towards science courses and their motivation for learning science. The students also stated that the courses were more fun, their interest increased, and they learned better. It is believed that the study may encourage the increased use of virtual museum practices in science courses.

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